Several union-level political parties set to contest the upcoming military junta-organised election — including the People’s Party (PP), the Shan and Ethnic Nationalities Democratic Party (White Tiger Party), the National Development Party (NDP), and the People’s Pioneer Party (PPP) — are actively working to establish rival offices across Mon State.
According to party representatives, the People’s Party has opened offices in five townships within Mon State. The White Tiger Party has set up offices in four townships, the NDP in seven townships, and the PPP in five townships.
However, due to ongoing security concerns, political parties have not yet been able to establish offices in Bilin, Kyaikto, and Ye townships.
A spokesperson for the National Development Party stated that union-level party offices are committed to protecting the economic opportunities of indigenous residents and ensuring that all political activities are conducted in accordance with the law.
“Our politics are transparent and dedicated to the people. We are a nationalism-based party, standing independently without any external influence. Establishing party offices in Mon State is crucial to shaping and advocating key policies for a better national system that benefits both local communities and the country,” the spokesperson said.
The NDP aims to establish offices in all ten townships of Mon State, with further expansion dependent on improved security conditions.
A representative from the People’s Party expressed the party’s determination to expand its presence despite claims that the growth of political parties might tighten military control.
“We still plan to open offices in townships like Thaton, Bilin, Kyaikto, and Paung. We believe in creating a broad political front, as some political thinkers argue that the more the political front expands, the more the military front will contract — and vice versa,” the party official told IMNA.
In the upcoming junta-organised elections, the Mon Unity Party (MUP) is expected to contest at the state level. Around nine other parties are registered to contest nationwide, bringing the total to approximately ten parties participating in Mon State.
Currently, political parties with national-level coalitions — including the People’s Party, White Tiger Party, PPP, and NDP — continue to expand their influence in Mon State by opening township-level offices.
As of July 10, the military junta’s Union Election Commission has registered 55 political parties representing various regions and states across the country.
Meanwhile, the Mon State Revolutionary Force (MSRF), Ye People’s Defense Force (YPDF), and Dawna Column (2) have jointly issued a warning prohibiting non-CDM (non-Civil Disobedience Movement) government staff and administrative officials from cooperating with the junta’s election preparations in Ye Township.
